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The Aztecs were an advanced civilization in Mexico. When the European explorers arrived on the American continent this is one of the thriving civilizations they found. The Aztecs had founded their capitol city in the 1300's on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. According to their legends, the Aztecs chose this site because their ancestors had a vision of an eagle sitting on a prickly pear cactus, holding a snake in its talons. The Aztec empire before its decline extended to the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

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The Aztecs had a system of communication set up between the cities within their empire. Because the Aztecs did not have draft animals or wheeled vehicles, their roads were designed for walking. These roads were well maintained and provided travelers with places to rest and eat along the way. Restrooms were even provided at regular intervals. Couriers were constantly traveling from one city to another on these roads keeping people informed about the happenings across the empire.

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The Mayan Civilization was one of great achievement. The Mayans borrowed ideas like the calendar and a writing system from other Mesoamerican societies. The Mayans however developed them further. The Mayans had the only fully developed writing system in pre-Columbian America. The Mayan Civilization was "one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the world." This civilization continues to thrive today in parts of Mexico and Central America.

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The Inca Empire arose in South America. The empire extended through present day Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile making it the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas created huge temples made out of stone without the use of mortar. They were an incredibly successful agrarian society. They successfully grew a wide selection of crops like maize, grain, and Andean fruits.

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The Inca as well as the other Mesoamerican cultures developed high achieving civilizations on the North American continent. When the Spanish explorers discovered these civilizations they took some of their technology to Europe. The Spanish definitely learned how to survive in the new world from these Mesoamerican cultures.

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